Parent Consent Policy

Our office policy requires the consent of a parent or legal guardian in order to provide services to a minor. Washington State law only allows minors to seek care without a guardian’s consent in certain circumstances . These are:

If the minor is emancipated (legally independent) or married to someone over age 18.
In the event that emergency care is necessary.
For services related to mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, or for birthcontrol, pregnancy and other reproductive health related issues.

With so many parents working outside the home or with other commitments, we realize that you may not be able to accompany your child on every visit to our office. If your minor child represents to the clinic unaccompanied or in the company of an adult other than a parent or legal guardian, we will do our best to attempt to contact you for consent. Depending upon the reason for the visit, if we are unable to contact you for consent we may need to reschedule the appointment.

In an effort to provide the care needed and avoid having to reschedule your child’s appointment, we have developed an Advance Consent to treat minors form that once completed by a parent or legal guardian, will be placed in your child’s medical record for us to use as necessary. This form will allow us to provide routine and emergency medical treatment for your minor child when deemed necessary by qualified medical personnel. This consent form will remain in effect until revoked in writing. You may request this form from any member of our clinic staff.